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Shopaholic

So you love shopping right! But are you really shopping wisely or are you just passing some time in the mall? Here’s the thing, think of shopping like a sport – yes, I’m so serious! Like any athelete, your goal is to win, and when shopping you want to also win, by scoring that piece. Your goal can either be a new dress for a party, basic pieces to build your wardrobe or it can be that time of the year when you’re ready to splurge on an investment item. Whatever your case is, we all have a goal in mind, or we should at least.

So let’s get right to it, see my list on how you can shop smarter like a pro. Also leave some of your shopping tips in the comments below, I want to hear them!

1. Have A Plan

I will admit, many times in the past I will find myself just wondering in the mall, just to see what’s in stores. During lunch breaks are killers because shopping becomes something to do to past time. You then just end up spending money on items just because it’s on sale. So not a good use of your time or money, so cut this habit out. Always have a plan on what your goal is on your shopping trips. Write down which items you want, which stores you will visit and what your budget will be. Write it down in your notes on your phone, so that you have it written down and you have to stick to it.

2. Pay With Cash

This one should be obvious, but we’re all guilty of it, including myself. You are more likely to go over your budget when you shop with your debit or credit card. So instead, once you have decided on your budget withdraw that amount from your account and walk with that cash instead. If at anytime during your shopping trip you want to withdraw more money, that is your red flag that you will go over budget. If you want to be really strict, leave the debit and credit cards at home.

3. Never Shop Tired Or Hungry

Shopping on an empty stomach or when you’re tired will leave you irritable, impatient and you’re not in a state of mind to make the best decisions. The last thing you want to do is to get convinced by a sales rep into buying something you didn’t really need because you just dont have the energy to make that decision yourself. Plus when you shop on an empty stomach, stopping to buy food to eat will only cut into your shopping time. Only shop when you’re fully energized and you have a full stomach. Happy belly, happy shopper!

4. Try Things On

I will never understand those who never want to try things on. They would always say ‘oh that looks like it will fit’. Pardon me? I mean there are certain items like t-shirts or tank tops where you can get away with not trying them on. Otherwise, I cannot stress enough how important it is to try things on because a jeans in Zara will not fit the same way jeans would in Levis. Changerooms are there and even though they can be a bit overwhelming at times, trust me stick it out and wait in line. The last thing you want is to go back to exchange for a different size and who knows your actual size may not even be there anymore. Get in, try it on and get it right the first time.

5. Shop Alone

The best thing you can do for your shopping experience is to shop alone. Yes shopping with your girlfriend can be a great bonding time, but when you have a goal in mind, a shopping partner can be a distraction. This also cuts out the decision making process when you don’t have to look to someone else for their opinion. Trust your own decisions because you’re the one who is going to live with your purchase. If you both have the same taste, you may have to debate over who gets that last sweater on the rack. Vice versa, if you have completely different tastes expect your shopping trip to last longer. You will have to compromise by visiting the stores ahe likes to shop at. So make your shopping trips a personal experience where you can get to know what you like and don’t like.